Observer effect

According to the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics, no phenomenon can be such if not first observed, and reality cannot exist in the absence of observation. To this paradoxical conclusion, known as the observer effect, or measurement problem, Albert Einstein retorted, quite rightly, that the moon continued to exist, undisturbed, even when nobody was watching it! But to what extent can we say that our observations can create our own reality? And is it really true that quantum mechanics would have reached the same conclusions as some mystical-religious philosophies, which claim that the universe is a product of the consciousness?

According to the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics, no phenomenon can be such if not first observed, and reality cannot exist in the absence of observation. To this paradoxical conclusion, known as the observer effect, or measurement problem, Albert Einstein retorted, quite rightly, that the moon continued to exist, undisturbed, even when nobody was watching it! But to what extent can we say that our observations can create our own reality? And is it really… (more)

According to the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics, no phenomenon can be such if not first observed, and reality cannot exist in the absence of observation. To this paradoxical conclusion, known as the observer effect, or measurement problem, Albert Einstein retorted, quite rightly, that the moon continued to exist, undisturbed, even when nobody was watching it! But to what extent can we say that our observations can create our own reality? And is it really true that quantum mechanics would have reached the same conclusions as some mystical-religious philosophies, which claim that the universe is a product of the consciousness?